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Also naming the 2500 block of West Sharswood Street as “Honorable Thomas McIntosh Sr. Way” to honor the life and legacy of Thomas McIntosh, Sr. in the City of Philadelphia.
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Whereas, Thomas McIntosh, Sr. first served in elected office as Councilman for the Fifth District from 1959 to 1971, one of the first Black Councilman in Philadelphia. McIntosh entered the political arena in 1942 as a Democratic Committeeman in the 29th Ward, later becoming Ward secretary before his election to Ward Leader and Second Vice Chairman; and
Whereas, During his tenure on Council, McIntosh was a member of the Gas Commission, Board of Directors of the Police Pension Fund and the first Black person appointed to the Philadelphia Transportation Company; and
WHEREAS, McIntosh, along with Cecil B. Moore and Georgie Woods, were at the forefront of the efforts to integrate Girard College. Supporting desegregation in schools, housing, and jobs, fighting to increase employment opportunities for minorities in the private sector as well as government agencies and departments, McIntosh possessed an uncanny ability to cross political, racial, and social lines; and
Whereas, After leaving his Councilman post in 1971, McIntosh remained involved in the workings of City government as assistant to both Mayors, Rizzo and Green, a legislative liaison for the Parking Authority, and the Executive Board of the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation, Chairman of the Board to the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and
Whereas, In addition to public service, McIntosh was active in a variety of civic organizations including the NAACP, the Wharton Block Council, the Columbia Branch of the YMCA and the Crispus Attucks Post 151 of the American Legion; and
WHEREAS, After spending one year at Lincoln University and two years at Temple University, McIntosh interrupted his education to serve in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1948 from the former Martin College (a program for returning servicemen who left college to go to war), then attended Temple University Law School; and
Whereas, McIntosh married the late Marjorie Osborne in 1950 and the couple raised their children on the 2500 block of West Sharswood Street; and
WHEREAS, Former Councilman McIntosh died following a brief illness at age 84, and is remembered as pillar to the community who devoted his life to fighting for civil rights, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the 2500 block of West Sharswood Street also be named “Honorable Thomas McIntosh Sr. Way” to honor the life and legacy of Thomas McIntosh, Sr. in the City of Philadelphia.
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